A territory of the United States taken in the Spanish-American war of 1898 when Cuba, the Philippines and Puerto Rico were taken from Spain.

Its present status is a self-governing Commonwealth, that is it has a local government with jurisdiction over all local matters but Foreign Relations and Defense are controlled by the United States. It has no vote in the US Congress. It has tax advantages from this situation, including not having to pay the Federal Income Tax and lower corporation tax.

There is an increasing population and many migrate to the United States, especially to New York City.

Although the pro-Statehood party won the 1992 election, it is not certain that the people would vote for full statehood. If they do it would become the first state in which Spanish is the language of government. As Puerto Ricans generally have a higher birth rate than the average for the United States this has implications for the cultural future of the United States.

Another future, as yet not discussed much, might be as part of a community or federation with Cuba and the Dominican Republic. But although this would make cultural sense it might be a Community of the Poor.

Spanish

English

Politics has been about whether or not the territory should become a state. If it does, perhaps the national United States parties will become established.

However, the April 1991 law making Spanish the sole official language suggests a continuing cultural difference with the US.

 Lower taxes than in mainland US (and fewer public services).

The Coasts might be suitable sites for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion plants to produce non-carbon emitting energy, fresh water and mitigation of Hurricanes. These could supply electricity, fresh water and cooling facilities, with employment in such enterprises as fish farms. A payment for hurricane mitigation and carbon credits would help to finance them.

  As for the United States.

As the Caribbean warms, hurricanes become more frequent and more intense.